Pigeon Top

Explorer Tom Clanabogan House is still upset about the day it was nearly sold for a horse because the paperwork got mixed up. It’s been standing in Clanabogan Upper since the 1740s, looking like it expects everyone to bow before entering the garden. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch, if you’re feeling cautious.

Explorer Tom Clanabogan Church is trying to figure out what it would post on social media if it had a smartphone and a Wi-Fi signal. Built in the 1860s, it stands there looking like it’s about to start a trend in vintage church fashion. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want? Just stand there and feel weird.

Explorer Tom Platform rath in Gillygooly survived for centuries despite the map makers drawing it as if it were a giant, confused donut that had wandered off the road. I bet the surveyors got drunk on peat liquor and just drew whatever came to mind at 2am. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life.

Explorer Tom Rath in Mullaghmore nearly made the national news when a goat got stuck in its ditch, but then it walked away unbothered. It’s still holding onto that tiny moment of fame like a trophy. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

Explorer Tom Church, Graveyard, Carved Stone: Holywell Church in Lackagh would put 'I was right' on its tombstone if it had one. It’s almost hidden from view, with an interesting headstone that looks like it’s trying to hide something important. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it's heard.

Explorer Tom Plantation Castle: Castle Curlews in Kirlish has a fan club of one confused goose who thinks it's a duck pond. It’s a scheduled site, which means the government likes it but nobody actually visits it to check on its mood. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

Explorer Tom Dromore Riverside Walk in County Tyrone is bragging it survived a storm that actually just blew its own hat off. I’m convinced the river was just laughing at the trees for trying so hard to stay dry. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom Church & graveyard in Drumragh is playing hide-and-seek with a legend about a giant who lost his trousers here. The roof fell in long ago, so the dead are really living it up under the stars. Pack a picnic and an excuse.

Explorer Tom Fancy crossing the Atlantic without losing your luggage? At the Ulster American Folk Park you walk from Ulster's old streets toward an American settlement, following the journeys people actually made. More than 30 buildings tell three centuries of emigration. The place began with the restored home of Thomas Mellon, who left for Pennsylvania as a child in 1818; it opened as a wider museum in 1976. Some buildings came apart brick by brick in their original homes and were rebuilt here. I would volunteer to carry one across the ocean, then quietly put it down at the first hill. Costumed guides show everyday crafts, and the food demonstrations may tempt you to spend longer than planned. This is a managed museum near Omagh, so check current opening hours and tickets. Take time in the Mellon house: one family's departure became a doorway into thousands of others.

Explorer Tom Trillick Castle has a deep suspicion of the postman because he always delivers bills and never brings good news, which is a valid reason to be grumpy about things. A new house was built right next door, so now Trillick feels like the weird uncle at the family barbecue. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug.

Explorer Tom History of Gortin Glen Forest would bring a very old, dusty hat to any party it attended. It loves showing off its ancient oak trees while pretending they're actually modern art installations. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.

Explorer Tom Mullaghcarn in County Tyrone has a hidden message carved into its stones by someone who definitely wasn’t serious about the font choice. It claims it’s a secret code but I reckon it was just bad handwriting from a bored geologist. Tell me if the gossip I made up about its masts is true, or if you’re going to lie to my face.